The Best Guide to Kobe’s Vegan-Friendly Restaurants

As you might already know, the port city of Kobe is more than just the Kobe beef. It is a great destination to enjoy Japan’s nice hot springs, nature, harbor cruises, and much more. But the term Kobe beef might deter you from visiting the city if you are a vegan or a vegetarian because you are unsure if you can find plant-based food. Thus, we have compiled the list below of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in Kobe, so you won’t need to rely on onigiri from the convenience store while experiencing Kobe’s many charms.

Kobe’s Vegan-Friendly Restaurants

Modernark Pharm Cafe (モダナークファームカフェ)

Sannomiya Station is Kobe’s busiest area. If it is on your itinerary, rest assured that you will starve during the day. Not only is the vegetarian café a rare find in the city known for its beef, but its concept is serving food that is kind to the body and the earth. Although it isn’t a vegan spot, you won’t find meat or seafood on the menu at the café.

Greenery decorates the café’s exterior and dining space, creating an urban oasis. Modernark Pharm Café has a Western-style setting and a cozy atmosphere. When the weather is good, the terrace seats are the best spot to enjoy the food filled with nature’s blessings. If you are lucky, the café’s adopted cat might roam around the café when you are there!

Each dish served in the café features a generous use of seasonal vegetables. Even the dressing is handmade! The well-presented food tastes great because a lot of effort has been put into preparing it. If you are a fan of desserts, their coconut tiramisu is a must-try. The cake is made using coffee dough, soy milk, and coconut cream.

Remember to check out the homemade cookies and muffins on your way out. The café also sells organic ingredients and miscellaneous goods, so don’t be startled when you see customers come just to buy the ingredients.

Refer to HERE for Modernark Pharm Café menu. The English version is underneath the Japanese menu.

Modernark Pharm Cafe’s Business Hours and Access Information

Vegan Cafe Thallo (ヴィーガンカフェ タロ)

Important: Make a reservation if you plan to visit the cafe for lunch.

Vegan Cafe Thallo’s Business Hours and Access Information

Yidaki Cafe (イダキ カフェ)

Another vegan-friendly spot near Motomachi Station is Yidaki Café. It is a spot where you can amaze your meat-eater friends with how amazing plant-based food can taste. Located on the second floor of a building in a back alley, this vegetarian café serves lunch made with mostly organic ingredients. You will find the café’s name familiar if you are an Aussie. That is correct. The owner named the café Yidaki (also known as Didgeridoo) because he admires Australians’ high awareness of the environment and its organic ethos. Therefore, organic vegetables are used whenever possible.

The vegan-friendly café’s interior lives up to its name. Decorated with natural materials like driftwood, it features a natural theme and a turquoise background. The south-facing windows allow ample sunlight to enter the café, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Yidaki Cafe’s Business Hours and Access Information

Riccio d’Oro (リッチョドーロ 本店)

Many of us love gelato, but it is challenging to find a gelato maker that uses plant-based ingredients. Fortunately, Riccio d’Oro in Kobe is a gelato specialist that makes gelato without using milk, eggs, or wheat. Instead, plant-based milk is used. Thus, their gelato still tastes rich even when animal fat isn’t used!

Riccio d’Oro’s main store is just a 5-minute walk from Tomako  (神戸の創作餃子｜イソガミ餃子バルTOMAKO), a creative gyoza restaurant that has a vegan menu. Thus, after having delicious gyozas, you can visit it for the amazing gelato as dessert.

The shop’s white wood exterior gives a welcoming vibe. Plus, a cute hedgehog logo is a part of the shop’s sign! In fact, hedgehog motifs can be found throughout the store, making it hard to resist looking for another image once you start looking for them!

Why a hedgehog? Because Ricciod’oro means a Golden Hedgehog in Italian. Apparently, in Italy and France, hedgehogs are treated as animals that bring good luck!

If you need something to warm you up after having the gelato, help yourself with the hot water. Black tea can also be ordered (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.

A dine-in space is also available!

One thing to note is that white sugar is used in Riccio d’Oro’s gelato-making. If you have concerns that Japan’s white sugar isn’t vegan, you might want to avoid the spot.

Riccio d’Oro’s Business Hours and Access Information

Farmstand

A good place to stop by for fresh produce and a delicious lunch plate near Kitano Ijinkan-gai (北野異人館街) is Farmstand. The small cafe in the farmer’s market store offers tasty lunch plates and desserts made from the fresh produce the store purchased from local farmers in Kobe. It is the best spot to support the locals! While not all side dishes on the plate are vegan/vegetarian, you can ask the staff for a vegan lunch plate!

You can also visit Farmstand for morning or afternoon tea. The cakes and organic juice that the staff bake are amazing.

Refer to Farmstand’s Instagram Account for the menu!

Farmstand’s Business Hours and Access Information

VEGAN CAFE Kiu (VEGAN CAFE 喜雨)

Important: VEGAN CAFE Kiu is currently closed until further notice.

Kiu was renovated from the area’s landlord’s house. To retain this part of the history, signs that people had lived here were preserved during the renovation. This is why the wooden frames and frosted glass windows are all vintage. If you visit Kiu with young children, there is also a small kid’s corner at the far back.

The Food Served at VEGAN CAFE Kiu

All Kiu’s menu is vegan and is prepared using only pesticide-free and organically grown vegetables and seasonings that are gentle on the body.

The café’s owner, Ms. Hassaku (八朔さん), used to love dining out. After changing her diet to organic vegetables and additive-free foods, she noticed an improvement in her health. The more vegetables she eats, the more delicious she realises vegetables are, leading her to open a vegan café.

Besides a healthy and delicious lunch menu, Kiu also offers gluten-free homemade sweets made from rice flour! Vegan ice cream is also available!

Kid’s menu is available, too.

You can refer to Kiu’s Menu before visiting.

Tip: Let the staff know if you don’t eat dishes cooked with pungent ingredients, such as garlic. If you have a nut allergy, they should be able to offer nut-free dishes as well.

VEGAN CAFE Kiu’s Business Hours and Access Information

Onsenji Temple (温泉禅寺) and Tea House citta (茶坊 citta)

If you plan to visit Arima Onsen, you can enjoy delicious vegan Fucha Cuisine. It is a type of monk’s cuisine. However, please note that you need at least three people in your group to make a booking.

Other Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Kobe

Kobe’s Vegan-Friendly Dumpling Specialists

• Tomako (神戸の創作餃子｜イソガミ餃子バルTOMAKO)
  • A creative gyoza and wine bar with vegan gyoza near JR Sannomiya Station (三宮駅) and Kobe-Sannomiya Station. It is closest to Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae Station (三宮・花時計前駅).
    • The sauces for the pan-fried dumplings are vegan as well.
  • While not so much for the vegan flavors, most gyozas at Tomako have unique flavors and shapes. Much thought has been put into the presentation as well. Depending on what you order, you probably wouldn’t classify the dish in front of you as dumplings when you first see it!
    • Try the miso gyoza if you are unsure which flavor to order.
  • All of their wines are vegan-certified. 
  • The restaurant boasts a lively and relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for gatherings with friends. The service is impeccable as well.

• Ganso-Gyozaen (元祖 ぎょうざ苑 神戸南京町・中華街店)
  • A dumpling specialist in Chinatown that is known for its miso sauce.
  • Although there is only one vegan option, the vegan gyoza is so good that it remains tasty even without the dipping sauce.
  • The boiled dumplings can be overcooked, making them too soft. The pan-fried ones are better.
  • The English menu is available.

Kobe’s Vegan-Friendly Japanese Restaurants

• Horieza (やさい食堂堀江座)
  • A small Japanese-style curry restaurant near Kobe Port that has a couple of vegan and gluten-free curries and desserts.
  • The couple who run the restaurant is sweet and friendly. The unique decoration largely reflects their fun and warm personality, giving the customers a homey vibe.
    • Plus, the husband can speak English, making life easier for those who don’t speak Japanese!
    • Needless to say, their service is impeccable.
  • Refer to HERE for Horieza’s menu. When you click the menu item’s photo, a more detailed description will appear. If a dish is vegan or gluten-free, it will be clearly marked.
  • The restaurant’s Japanese-style setting creates a relaxing ambience. The excellent service provided by the staff takes the dining experience to the next level.

• MOON and BACK Ramen Bar Kobe
  • A ramen restaurant chain with a few vegan options. The Kobe restaurant is very close to Sannomiya Station.
  • Gluten-free noodles are available.
  • Refer to HERE for MOON and BACK Ramen Bar Kobe menu.

Kobe’s Vegan-Friendly Indian Restaurants

• Kusum (クスム本場家庭料理)
  • An authentic vegetarian Indian restaurant in Kitano Ijinkan-gai that accommodates vegan and gluten-free diets.
  • Besides curry, the freshly made chapati and Samosa are also very nice.
  • Please be forewarned that while the food is good, customer service isn’t. But the staff would usually be more friendly if you say “Namaste” as you walk into the restaurant.
  • Additionally, it appears that the restaurant operates according to the Indian calendar, so it is advisable to call to confirm the opening hours.
• Malabar Kitchen (マラバルキッチン)
  • If good customer service is a key requirement for you, have lunch at Malabar Kitchen instead when visiting Kitano Ijinkan-gai.
  • Malabar Kitchen is a South Indian restaurant. Compared to typical Indian restaurants that normally serve North Indian food, South Indian cuisine is typically lighter and is what Indians would have for breakfast.
  • The food here is authentic. If you are from India, you will find the dishes taste exactly the same as what you are used to getting back home.
  • Chef Suresh is kind and takes his customers’ dietary requirements seriously, including their individual spice preferences. He will give you great advice if you are unsure what to order!
  • The restaurant has a warm and welcoming vibe.

• RAJA (インド料理店 RAJA)
  • A fancy Indian restaurant is a few streets away from Ganso-Gyozaen. It is one of the cleanest Indian restaurants you will ever visit, and the service is top-notch as well.
  • The restaurant was founded in 1984 by an Indian chef who was the head chef of a 5-star hotel in Mumbai. Currently, the restaurant is run by his son and his wife, who are passionate about customer service.
    • While the founder’s son now runs the RAJA, the recipes have been passed down, ensuring that authentic Indian dishes continue to be served.
    • As fresh spices are used, the food at RAJA is very flavorful.
  • Refer to HERE for RAJA’s menu. If you are unsure which dishes are vegan, check with the friendly staff on the day.
    • The owner speaks good English and explains each dish well.
    • They can accommodate most dietary requirements.

• Indus Ray  (インダスレイ)
  • An authentic South Indian restaurant located between Hanakuma Station (花隈駅) and Minato Motomachi Station (みなと元町駅). The Kobe Port is an 8-minute walk away.
  • It offers vegetarian options that can be made vegan on request.
  • The home-style cooking is flavorful, as the chef puts a great deal of care into the food.
  • The friendly staff speaks English.
  • The mango lassi is really tasty.

Vegan-Friendly Spots Serving Other Cuisines

• Greenery Vegan Cafe
  • A smoothie and scone cafe located between Kobe Station and Motomachi Station.
  • The smoothie and vegan scones here are extremely tasty. The scones come in several flavors, including Pineapple & Coconut and Cashew & White Chocolate.
  • Fruit salads and savory light meal options are also available.

• Baan Thai
  • A small Thai restaurant with a vegetarian menu that is very close to Sannomiya Station (三宮駅) and Kobe-Sannomiya Station. The restaurant can accommodate most dishes on the menu for vegans, so please check with the staff upon arrival.
  • The restaurant is very popular, so expect a queue on weekends and public holidays.
  • The staff is very friendly and accommodating, and the food is fairly priced.
  • The restaurant can also cater to gluten-free and allium-free diets.
• Wanto Burger
  • A burger place near Sannomiya Station that has a vegetarian burger option. You can ask your burger to be made without the mayonnaise.
  • All ingredients for the burgers here are handmade and additive-free, including the buns.
  • Note that the fries aren’t crispy most of the time.

• Crazy Burrito Kobe
  • A Mexican eatery that is an 8-minute walk from Sannomiya Station, which makes incredible burritos. The restaurant offers a couple of vegetarian and vegan options.
  • Refer to HERE for the menu. The vegetarian/vegan options are towards the end of the website.
  • The restaurant also caters to other dietary requirements, including gluten-free options.
  • Note that the regular-sized burrito is very filling.
  • The place has a cozy vibe, and the staff is friendly and speaks English.
• Shinlin (馨林)
  • A Chinese restaurant with a vegetarian and vegan menu.
  • The Mapo Tofu here is a must-eat.
  • Note that the noodles contain eggs.
• Herb Laboratory (ハーブ ラボラトリー)
  • A herb specialist near Riccio d’Oro (リッチョドーロ 本店) that offers vegan and gluten-free lunch and dessert options.
  • The shop has a stylish interior.

• NORTHERN EIGHT COFFEE (ノーザンエイトコーヒー)
  • A coffee roastery with a cafe that offers a couple of vegan options. The vegan options are clearly marked on the MENU. The café is renowned for its nicely brewed coffee and delicious food.
  • The coffee roastery chain has two branches in the northern part of Kobe. Their stores have a bright and relaxing vibe, perfect for spending time with family and friends.
  • Savory dishes for breakfast and/or lunch include Buddha bowls, curries, and vegan burgers. Vegan muffins and cakes are also available for dessert.

Vegan-Friendly Bakeries in Kobe

• Kanauta (かなうた神戸元町)
  • A vegan bakery between JR Motomachi Station and Kobe Port. Wheat flour isn’t used, either, so the bakery offers gluten-free baked goods.
  • Another good thing about Kanauta is that the sugar level is reduced, making their sweets healthier to consume.
  • Because rice flour is used, the cakes and waffles sold here are more chewy. The waffle is especially recommended.
  • Japanese-flavoured baked goods, such as amazake soymilk cream cake and matcha waffles, are also available.

• Vegan Bread 4690
  • A vegan bakery near Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art and Hanshin’s Iwaya Station (岩屋駅).
  • The bread here is of a Japanese style, and there is a variety of buns with different fillings. They even have the vegan egg sandwich, which tastes incredible!
  • Their bread is known for its amazing taste, and it is hard to believe that what you put into your mouth is made from plant-based ingredients.
  • The owner is very generous, and the baked goods are fairly priced. You will likely get some freebies from him, especially if you make many purchases.

The Supermarkets and Shops in Kobe That Sell Vegan Products

• Farmstand
  • A local farm store that sells freshly harvested produce grown in Kobe. Other products, such as processed food, baked goods, and drinks, are also on the shelf. There is also a good range of vegan and vegetarian staples, including plant-based milk, butter, and mayonnaise.
  • Organic goods from Japan and other countries are also available for sale here.
  • The local’s farmer’s market store also has a cafe that offers healthy lunch plates and delicious desserts.
• Kobe Grocers
  • An imported goods shop near Ikuta Shrine (生田神社), the city’s most revered shrine. Among many products from across Asia and Europe, some are vegan or vegetarian.
  • It is a good place to source spices and jam.
• Natural House (ナチュラルハウス神戸店)
  • A health food chain store near JR Motomachi Station (元町駅).
  • The store focuses on organic products, and some of them are vegan/vegetarian.
  • Please carefully check what is charged with the price tag on the shelf before leaving the shop.

The Vegan-Friendly Ryokans and Hotels in Kobe

• Tōcen Goshoboh (陶泉 御所坊)
  • A ryokan in Arima Onsen that can cater to vegan/vegetarian diets. Please inform them of your dietary requirements when making a booking.
  • Dinner and breakfast is served at the ryokan’s restaurant, Sanboh Kan (餐房 閑).
• Guesthouse Enn (結びの小宿 縁)
  • A guesthouse in Arima Onsen. Its restaurant, where guests enjoy dinner and breakfast, also offers a vegan lunch option.

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